Horace Eastern

Our Dad Horace Eastern peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 7th and is now at peace. Horace was born March 15, 1928 in Columbus, MS to the union of the late Mattie (Nicholson) Eastern and Joseph Lee Eastern who both preceded him in death. Our Dad received his education in the Columbus, MS school system where he thrived as a craftsman. Horace proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Unit and he received an honorable discharge upon completing his tour of duty. Dad was a retired millwright by profession with Cerro Copper Corporation in Sauget, IL. He retired after 42 years of dedicated service and commitment. He was also an active member of the Steel Workers Union of Sauget, IL and he was an advocate for equal rights and fair pay. Dad was a sport, auto and game show enthusiast and after retirement he spent a host of his time watching his special game shows and following sports teams over the years; he knew the stats and roster of the St. Louis Cardinals team members dating back to 1940’s when he moved to the mid-west. Horace enjoyed the beauty of unique and exclusive automobiles and looked forward to long Sunday Family drives to get ice cream and cruise around the city to enjoy the beauty of his classic automobiles. Dad was a member of the Hercules Lodge #90 where he spent quality time with his late Brother Robert Eastern, Sr. and a host of his long-time friends that he loved and cherished as family and he and his friends supported each other over the years throughout their lives. Dad placed God as the head of his life and accepted Christ at an early age and was raised with Christian values and beliefs that he carried throughout his life. Dad was devoted to studying and reading his bible daily for hours at a time and he stated and believed that God blessed him with a long and fulfilled life. Dad shared and instilled his beliefs in the rearing of his children and grandchildren and whomever he could minister to. Horace was known for his wisdom and kindness and was a bright light to all who crossed his path. Horace was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. Horace is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, the late Bernice Eastern, his Brother the late Robert Eastern, Sr. and his son the late Kym Crawford. Our Dad will be greatly missed by his family and loved ones; sons; Tyrone (JoAnn) Eastern Sr. of St. Louis, MO, Rodney Eastern of Houston, TX. Cortez (Shelly) Gathing of Kansas City, KS, Marlin (Lystra) Eastern of Lawrenceville, Kevin Crawford and Mark Crawford, both of E. St. Louis, IL. Daughters, Linda Eastern-Haynes of Lawrenceville, GA, Sheila Eastern of Cahokia, IL, Latryce Gathing-Harris of Atlanta, GA, Marcel Smith of Atlanta, GA, Jada Eastern of Swansea, IL, Erica (Vincent) Ray of O’fallon, IL. He leaves a loving sister-in-law Brenda Gathing and brother-in-law Curtis Gathing both of E. St. Louis, IL. Grandchildren; Venedra, Tyrone Jr. Franco, Christopher, Ra’Shaun, Eddie, Greg, Javar, Jasmine, Asia, Nicholas Jr, Kyla, Brittney, Arkel, Takeda, Bryce, Ciana, Cameren, Ashley, Alaina, Destinee, DaNyah and a host of great-grand children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him immensely. --

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Horace Eastern

March 15, 1928 - July 7, 2020